Thank you for your question. The snake in your photograph is a juvenile black ratsnake, scientific name Pantherophis alleghaniensis. This snake is also known as the Eastern ratsnake. It is a non-venomous species.

As the snake gets older, it gradually becomes darker until it is almost completely black.

This snake is found throughout or in portions of every eastern state except Maine and New Hampshire. They live in a variety of habitats, including forests, open areas and urban settings, especially if there are still sufficient numbers of trees.

This is one of the longest snakes we have in the eastern/southeastern United States. Typical length is 4-5 feet, but a maximum length of slightly over 8 feet have been recorded. They are excellent climbers.

They feed primarily on mice and rats, but also eat birds and young squirrels. They are also fond of chicken eggs.

If you're interested in learning more about snakes in your area, this is an excellent guide:

Gibbons, Whit. (2017). Snakes Of The Eastern United States. Athens: The University of Georgia Press.

Here's a link to the PA Herps web page for this species:

https://www.paherps.com/herps/snakes/rat_snake/

I hope this answers your question, and thank you for contacting Ask an Expert.

Jim